After the Liberation Struggle and halting the Genocide, Rwanda embarked on a development path characterized by sustained peace and security; improved living standards and public health; good governance and international cooperation; inclusive education and women's empowerment; among other areas.
This journey has brought visible infrastructure development, including schools, health centres, modern buildings, progress in technology, healthcare, modern agriculture and livestock, and much more.
These changes are evident to every Rwandan and affirm the country's full liberation, a process driven by Rwandans themselves.
Though the armed struggle ended, the country has spent the last 31 years in a different kind of battle: rebuilding and developing toward a dignified life for every citizen.
The Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) showed that poverty in Rwanda dropped from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024, while extreme poverty fell from 11.3% to 5.4% during the same period.
The data also shows that Rwandans now earn an average of $1,040 per person per year. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), there have been major changes in the country's economy.
For example, the percentage of Rwandans with access to electricity increased from 11.1% in 2011 to 72% in 2024.
Those with access to clean water rose significantly as well â€" from 74.2% in 2011 to 89.7% in 2024.
Figures from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) show that mobile phone users increased to 13,480,095 in September 2024, up from 12,538,106 in 2023.
The education sector has improved through the government's commitment to universal access, though challenges remain in improving quality.
Tito Rutaremara, Chairperson of the Rwanda Elders' Advisory Forum, noted that when the RPF-Inkotanyi launched the Liberation Struggle, it had clear goals for Rwanda and its people.
'The liberation struggle was just one step. We had a broader mission â€" ensuring national security, unity, building a democracy that suits our country, developing the economy, and establishing diplomatic relations based on mutual respect.'
He emphasized that in the 31 years since liberation, much has been achieved to improve Rwandans' lives and that continued efforts will be needed to keep transforming those lives.
'We prioritized essential needs such as security for people and property, access to food and healthcare â€" and from there, we've continued building on those foundations.'
He stressed that, in today's world, the country must fully embrace technology in all sectors to build a knowledge-based economy.
'We've reached a stage where we must integrate new innovations â€" technology and creative intelligence. That means embedding technology in every sector so that our economy and daily life are driven by both tech and ingenuity.'
In terms of service delivery, he noted that some improvements are still needed, particularly in digital transformation and speeding up access to public services.
Rutaremara added that Rwanda's ongoing rebuilding efforts aim to ensure that every citizen can access the services they need, healthcare, education, and employment, without having to seek a better life elsewhere.
He projected that in the next 30 years, Rwanda should have reached this goal, in line with Vision 2050.
He concluded by emphasising the need to promote positive values and protect Rwanda's cultural heritage so that other countries can learn from Rwanda's experience.
IGIHE
